Oh, The Glamourous Life!

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! I hope I’m going to see you tonight at Burlesque Roadshow.

Your tip this week is in honor of Jo Weldon’s new book Fierce: The History of Leopard Print:
Leopard print is a neutral — it goes with everything!

It can be an accessory…

…or the complete outfit.

No matter what you’re wearing, leopard print won’t clash!

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Before I get to your tip I just want to mention that The Boston BeauTease are performing on June 29th at Down the Road Beer Co. in Everett, MA.

It’s the first time they’ve had burlesque at this venue and we’d like to make a good impression. We’re bringing all our favorite booze-themed acts and some brand-new ones. You can get your tickets here.

And now, here’s your tip!

Listen, really listen.

Too often we hear what someone else is saying without actually listening to them. Someone once said that to have a good argument you need to speak like you’re right, but listen like you’re wrong. I rather like that. I think there would be less strife and misunderstandings if we just listened to one another.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! I usually try to phrase my tips so that they are positive advice (“do”) rather than negative (“don’t”), but I just couldn’t figure out how to do so with this one. Here’s it is!

Don’t change your clothes in the bathroom.

This simple statement actually covers two situations.

Often at studios, gyms, and the like, where a locker room or changing area is provided, some women will choose to lock themselves in the bathroom to change their clothes. It’s selfish, rude, and annoys those waiting to use the bathroom for its designated purpose. Just don’t.

If a performance venue expects you to use a public bathroom as your dressing room, reconsider working there. As a performer, you need a clean, private, secure space. A public restroom is none of those things. Just don’t.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Much of the burlesque world is in Las Vegas at the Burlesque Hall of Fame weekend. I, myself, am at home, as usual. I will probably, also as usual, watch Exotic Word and the Burlesque Revival (and probably get weepy). By the way, the persistent rumor that I have never been to BHoF is completely untrue, as you can see from the photographic evidence.

If you are at BHoF, enjoy! If you are competing, best of luck! Big congratulations to the Legend of the Year, Kitten Natividad!

Here is your tip:
Look at festivals and similar events as marathons, not sprints.

Conserve your energy. You’re going to be busy and “on” all weekend. And don’t forget to drink lots of water and to alternate alcohol with water. Also, wear sunscreen. And, of course, make a little time for yourself.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!

Sometimes the show does not go on.

Yes, this is a topical tip. We just learned that our venue for The Boston BeauTease Go Bananaz!, the wonderful Deacon Giles Speakeasy Lab, was informed by the city of Salem that their entertainment license didn’t cover “live theatrical” entertainment, that is, us.

They’re working on remedying the license situation, but in the mean time we absolutely can’t perform tomorrow. It’s incredibly disappointing for everyone — us, the venue, our audience. However, the show is not canceled, merely postponed until everything is in compliance. Brigitte has been waiting 6 years to put on this show — we won’t give up now!

So, usually one should do absolutely everything you can to make sure the show goes on (despite illness, weather, technical issues, &c.) but licences, local ordinances, and other legalities are not to be trifled with.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!

Test out a new pastie adhesive well before a show.

You don’t want any nasty surprises!

First do a patch test to see if you have any negative reaction to it. Just dab or stick a little bit at the inside of your elbow and leave it on for a little while to see if your skin is okay with it.

If it passes that test, try it on your actual pasties. Do a serious stress test — shimmy, twirl, bounce, bend over, roll around, &c.

If there are any issues, toss it and start over with something new. If not, congratulations! You can go on stage feeling confident that your pasties will stay on and you’ll have no skin issues.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Here’s your tip — a bit of wisdom from a long time ago:

Do. Or do not. There is no try.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.

P.S. Here’s a related previous tip.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday!

When removing your shoes on stage, set them down neatly instead of flinging them with wild abandon.

They won’t make a loud clatter when they hit the floor. They won’t take something (or someone) out if you misjudge the trajectory. And if you want put them back on later in the act, they’re right there ready for you.

The lovely photo of this shoe once owned by Dita Von Teese (and my leg) is by Charles Jones and my Patrons have access to the full and uncropped series that he shot. Just saying.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.